Seattle Mariners Biggest Rival Gives Major Injury News That Could Impact AL West Race
The Seattle Mariners are attempting to win the American League West for the first time since 2001 and are battling it out with the Houston Astros.
As the M's and Astros go back-and-forth, the Astros have given a major injury update which could help decide the division.
According to Astros reporter Chandler Rome of 'The Athletic,' pitcher Lance McCullers is not expected to pitch at all this season as he recovers from arm problems. He's been out all season but the idea of him coming back was supposed to be another beacon of hope for Houston, who is 1.0 game behind the Mariners entering play on Sunday.
Astros manager Joe Espada said it is “safe to say” that Lance McCullers Jr. will not pitch this season.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 4, 2024
While the injuries to McCullers Jr. (season), Jose Urquidy (season), and JP France (season) all help the Mariners, you never like to see anyone get hurt. McCullers, who shut down the Mariners in the 2022 playoffs at T-Mobile Park, has been ravaged by injuries over his career.
The 30-year-old missed the entire 2019 season with injury, most of 2022 and all of 2023.
Lifetime, he's 49-32 with a 3.48 ERA and helped the Astros win the 2017 and 2022 World Series titles.
The Mariners are in action again on Sunday afternoon when they take on the Philadelphia Phillies at T-Mobile Park. First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. PT as Logan Gilbert pitches against Zack Wheeler. After this series, the M's begin a new one at home against the Detroit Tigers. It's all part of a nine-game homestand for Seattle that could go a long way toward deciding the division race as well.
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